In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt.
In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to combine the shortening and sugar until smooth. Mix in the syrup, egg and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for a couple of hours until dough is more firm.
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silpat mats.
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Shape the cookie dough into balls about 1-inch in diameter (or larger). Roll in the sugar/cinnamon mixture.
Place the cookie dough balls on the prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until not doughy-looking in the middle.
Notes
If you have access to maple sugar, use that for rolling the dough balls in.